High School Government Session 2 - Legislative Branch Focus
In this five week flex course, students will gain a thorough understanding of the purpose, powers, and characteristics of the legislative branch of the United States government and the congressional lawmaking process.
Jennifer Hanson
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(1,064)
What's included
5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
Weekly homework involves multiple choice/short answer/terminology and thought questions to reinforce concepts and help students connect the lesson to their lives. Upon completion, homework is reviewed with comments and corrections posted directly on the assignment.Grading
An evaluation can be provided upon request and will be based on effort and completion of homework assignments.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Intermediate Level
In this five week flex course, students will grow in their understanding of the legislative branch of government in the United States. Students will learn how our legislative branch came to be in the Constitution by examining the Great Compromise at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. We will explore the purpose, characteristics, and powers of the legislative branch.
Lecture videos utilizing power point slides will be posted weekly for students to view. Some lectures will have worksheet study guides to fill in, and some will require learners to practice note taking skills. Students will receive outside homework and quizzes via the class discussion stream to help reinforce class lessons and solidify the information they are learning. An end of session evaluation will be provided to parents for your student's portfolio/records.
Students will be asked to contribute to thought discussions posted in the classroom twice a week. This dialogue will allow students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills as they work on articulating views and listening to the ideas and opinions of others.
Students will engage collectively in the bill making process of the legislative branch by presenting a bill of their own creation and inspiration to the class. Students will engage in examining one another's bills, debating them, adding amendments to them, and then voting on them.
Session 1 - The Great Compromise: How the legislative branch under the Constitution came to be
Characteristics of the Congress
Session 2 - Constitutional Powers of the Legislative Branch
Session 3 - Methods of Representation and Functions of Congress
Session 4 - The Law Making Process
Session 5 - Congressional Leadership
Students should have the ability to do basic writing in order to take notes and do the in class worksheets. The age range for this class is 14-18 year olds and is best geared towards high school age students.
Students are highly encouraged to continue on to United States Government - Session 3.Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
The Great Compromise and Characteristics of the Congress
Our first lesson will explore how the current set up of our Congress came to be at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, along with the characteristics of the Congress. Lesson 2:
Constitutional Powers of the Legislative Branch
Our second lesson will examine the enumerated powers of the Congress found in the Constitution. Students will also learn about the constitutional basis for Congress's use of powers that are not specifically listed in the Constitution via the Necessary and Proper Clause. Lesson 3:
Methods of Representation and Functions of Congress
Our third lesson explores the difference between the trustee model and instructed delegate model of representation. Functions of Congress, such as oversight and agenda setting, are examined. Lesson 4:
The Law Making Process
The law making process, Congress's main purpose, is detailed in our fourth lesson. Other Details
Pre-Requisites
While not required, it may prove helpful to take session one of this series, 'The Constitution and Its Political Processes' first.
Supply List
Notebook Binder for worksheets/notes Access to a printer for class worksheets Writing utensil Though not required, I regularly recommend that students have a copy of the SparkCharts US Constitution on hand for reference. A link is provided below: https://www.amazon.com/U-S-Constitution-SparkCharts-SparkNotes/dp/1411470885
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
5.0
1064reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I studied political science and public administration at the University of North Dakota. I have taught the following government and history classes at homeschool cooperatives and as an independent instructor for the past four years:
High School Comparative Politics
High School Government and Constitutional Law
Middle School Government
United States History: Reconstruction through World War 2
United States History with American Girl
I have also homeschooled my three children for the past nine years.Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$8
weekly or $40 for all content5 pre-recorded lessons
5 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 10 learners
Choose your start date
Ages: 14-18
